Saturday Slight

Bill's headed off to Bonners Ferry to work today.  In his typical time lingo, he said he had to leave here at O-700 and would be returning about 1800 hours.  I made sure that was 6 o'clock in my time-related calculations.  Well, let me clarify that; it would really be 7 o'clock on my clock cuz my clock is always an hour fast.

Whatever time is involved, he'll be gone most of the day.  I said if it wasn't raining, I'd be hitting the ground running this morning.  Well, I've got to clarify that too.  I'll be hitting the ground wading in a lot of places cuz it sure did rain a lot more last night after the full day's rain yesterday.

Two gardens are submerged now, but I almost yelled "Hallelujah" to Bert Wood's cows this morning when I saw a single bean rising out of the mud in the barnyard garden.  That means that among the 200-300 bean seeds stuck in the ground so far this year, at least I haven't struck out. 

I'd hate to do the math, though,  to figure out what percentage of yield that is, but still, as my daughter-in-law loves to mock in conversation these days, "It is what it is."  In this case, it IS one bean.  For that I am grateful. 

Maybe some more will get brave enough to pop their heads above the ground during the next few days---IF---we get a little less moisture.

There is a sense of hopefulness in the air this morning, and without raindrops to blur my vision, it's looking pretty clear. It's hopefulness that we can get on with late spring and move on into summer.  And, that we can catch up on all that's been lost in the great garden challenge.

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Last night I spent some time at the 100th birthday party for Kootenai School.  They even sang "Happy Birthday" in the beautiful new gym for a crowd of hundreds.  I was impressed the choir's song about the school and its new addition, and I especially loved "I've Been Workin' on the Railroad." It was definitely a perfect choice for the community of Kootenai which served as a railroad center in its early days. 

Principal Betsy Walker and her team of dedicated staff and volunteers put together a wonderful celebration.  And when you do such things, they will come.  Droves of Kootenai alums kept coming in the doors and strolling through the school, enjoying historical displays, tours, etc.  

It was evident that they were all proud of their heritage and very proud of the expanded facility which will serve their students for the years to come.  Last night's celebration also served as the last big hurrah for Betsy who has dedicated many decades of her life to education.

She'll be retiring soon and probably enhancing her already impressive garden and yard down there on Center Valley Road.  I spent a few years working with her as a colleague. 

Our group of staff-member friends enjoyed some zany and good times together, and the one thing I can always say about Betsy was the day-to-day enthusiasm she put into everything she did, whether it was teaching, counseling or having fun.

Good luck, Betsy, welcome to retirement, and Great Job on that birthday party!

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Later, I saw the Selle Shadel brothers and their spouses at Second Avenue Pizza.  Hadn't seen Mike Shadel (SHS Class of 1974) for a long, long time.  He now lives in Phoenix, but he's been up here for the past couple of weeks.  

During my visits with his 7-year-old son, who "drives tractors," I learned that they're having a garage sale this morning.  I promised to come down and see what they had to offer, and young Mr. Shadel, along with his Aunt Peggy, told me some earlybirds were welcome.

So, I think I'll head down that way, allow some time to let a little water seep into the ground and then come back home to get the yard and garden operation going again.

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Oh, what an ALMOST beautiful morning; maybe it will be a beautiful day.  And, during this day, I'll spend some time remembering a dear friend who left us on this day two years ago.  We'll never forget Jenny.

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Happy Saturday.